Skin cancer in Zaria, Nigeria.

Skin cancer from 775 patients in the savannah showed a preponderance of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the leg related to neglected, poorly managed and chronic ulcers or scars from burns or injuries. SCC of the head and neck had no predisposing factor. Malignant melanoma overwhelmingly affected the feet, dermatofibrosarcoma affected the trunk and Kaposi sarcoma affected the limbs. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) comprised only 2% of all skin cancers. The 18 albino patients had a higher frequency of both SCC and BCC mostly on the head and neck. Excisional surgery was generally effective, the wounds being closed primarily or by means of flaps and skin grafts. However, 98 patients required amputation below the knee for tibial involvement by SCC. The prognosis and health care costs of skin cancer will only be improved if burns and injuries are adequately treated.